The Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed to attack American warships in the Middle East as his representatives participated in indirect nuclear negotiations with U.S. officials. Concurrently, Iranian security forces opened fire on civilian demonstrators gathering in Iran to mourn those killed during recent anti-regime protests.
In an early Tuesday post on social media, Khamenei warned of the dangers posed by U.S. naval deployments, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group. “The Americans constantly say they’ve sent a warship toward Iran,” he stated. “Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea.”
Hours later, videos circulated showing Iranian security forces shooting at mourners in Abdanan, a southern city where thousands died during January demonstrations. Civilians fled as they were struck by gunfire.
Khamenei’s threats and the violence against civilians occurred as U.S. and Iranian diplomats concluded negotiations in Geneva aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear program. Despite the discussions, Iranian officials have declared their commitment to continuing uranium enrichment and ballistic missile development.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that a favorable agreement with Iran would require “no nuclear weapons, no missiles.” Last month, he also suggested that “it’s time to look for new leadership in Iran” following a review of Khamenei’s social media activity.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior defense analyst specializing in Iranian capabilities, noted that Tehran possesses anti-ship ballistic missiles and other maritime assets that could challenge U.S. naval operations in the region. He stated: “The regime has been telegraphing for years that it is willing to concentrate its own firepower against larger U.S. vessels.”
On Tuesday, Iran announced a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for military drills involving live fire exercises. The maneuvers, which will also include Russia and China, are intended to demonstrate readiness for potential attacks on American ships.
A State Department spokesperson reiterated that the administration is monitoring Iran’s actions, adding: “Iran would be wise to focus on negotiations. The United States is committed to ensuring the safety of international waterways and protecting global commerce.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. has deployed additional naval assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, to the region as it prepares for a significant military presence in the Middle East.